GB2585666A

GB2585666A - A secure storage unit and a secure storage arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2585666A
Application number: GB1909898.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vipulan Manoharan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-10
Filing date: 2019-07-10
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Also published as: GB201909898D0

Abstract

A secure storage unit/safe 1 comprising at least one temperature sensor to detect a temperature above a threshold and at least one movement sensor to detect movement of the safe/unit indicative of tampering. The sensors providing signals to a controller (ECU) 8 which sends an alert to a user via a communications module. There may be a plurality of temperature and movement sensors, the movement sensor be a vibration sensor, six sensors may be provided, one each surface of the container. A tilt sensor, accelerometer, may be included. There may be three locks 7 operated by turning keys. The lock mechanism may be an electronic remotely actuated lock. The communication mobile preferable operates wirelessly, e.g. GSM providing alerts in short messaging service (SMS) or telephone call to a plurality of users. A plurality of external sensors may detect movement of a door or window to a room in which the safe is located.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1909898.7 RTM Date:17 December 2019 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Wi-Fi Bluetooth WhatsApp Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo A secure storage unit and a secure storage arrangement The present invention relates to a secure storage unit and a secure storage arrangement. The present invention more particularly relates to a secure storage unit and a secure storage arrangement which is configured to alert a user in the event of tampering to the storage unit or storage arrangement.

It is known to store a valuable item in a safe deposit box to minimise the risk of the item being stolen. A conventional safe deposit box is typically mounted inside a building and usually hidden away from sight.

A conventional safe deposit box is usually of metal and comprises a lockable door which can be opened to allow an item to be placed inside The door can then be closed and locked to store the item securely.

The problem with such conventional safe deposit boxes is that a user, who may be far away from the safe deposit box, would be unaware of any tampering to the safe deposit box until the user returns to the location of the safe deposit box. A further problem can arise if the safe deposit box itself is stolen and moved to another location, where a thief can spend time trying to break into the safe deposit box with minimal risk of being caught.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved secure storage unit and 25 an improved secure storage arrangement.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a secure storage unit comprising: a storage chamber for storing an item; a body which at least partly encloses the storage chamber, the body comprising an aperture which provides access to the storage chamber; closure element which is movably mounted to the body, the closure element being movable between an open position in which the closure element allows access to the storage chamber through the aperture and a closed position in which the closure element at least partly closes the aperture to restrict access to the storage chamber through the aperture; a locking arrangement which is configured to lock the closure element in the closed position in response to a user activating the locking arrangement; an electronic control unit; at least one temperature sensor which is configured to provide a temperature signal to the control unit which is indicative of the temperature within a portion of the storage unit; at least one movement sensor which is configured to provide a movement signal to the control unit which is indicative of a movement of the storage unit; a communication module which is configured to provide an alert output to a user in response to an alert signal provided by the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to provide the alert signal in response to the control unit receiving at least one of: temperature signal from the temperature sensor which is indicative of a temperature in excess of a predetermined threshold, or a movement signal from the movement sensor which is indicative of a movement of the storage unit, such that the alert output notifies a user of tampering to the storage unit.

Preferably, the body comprises six rectangular sides with one of the rectangular sides being provided with the aperture, and wherein the closure element is pivotally mounted to the body to close the aperture when the closure element is in the closed position.

Conveniently, the storage unit comprises a plurality of movement sensors in the form of a plurality of vibration sensors.

Advantageously, the storage unit comprises six vibration sensors, with one vibration sensor being mounted to each of the six sides of the body.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises a plurality of temperature sensors which are each configured to output a temperature signal to the control unit if the temperature sensor senses a temperature in excess of a predetermined threshold.

Conveniently, the storage unit comprises six temperature sensors with one 5 temperature sensor being mounted to each of the six sides of the body.

Advantageously, the predetermined temperature threshold sensed by each temperature sensor is 40°C.

Preferably, the at least one movement sensor comprises a tilt switch.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises four tilt switches which are mounted within the storage unit.

Conveniently, the storage unit further comprises an additional tilt switch which is mounted to the closure element.

Advantageously, the at least one movement sensor comprises an accelerometer.

Preferably, the storage unit further comprises a movement detector which is configured to detect the movement of an object on the exterior of the storage unit when the closure element is in the open position.

Conveniently, the locking arrangement comprises a lock mechanism which is configured to be activated by a user turning a key in the lock.

Advantageously, the locking arrangement comprises three locking mechanisms which are each configured to be activated by a user turning a respective one of three different keys.

Preferably, the locking arrangement comprises an electronic key pad which is configured to activate an electronic lock.

Conveniently, the locking arrangement comprises an electronic lock which is configured to be activated wirelessly by a remote device.

Advantageously, the communication module comprises a Global System for Mobile communication (GMS) module which is configured to provide an alert signal in the form of at least one of a short message service (SMS) message which the GMS module transmits to a user and/or a telephone call to a user's telephone.

Preferably, the communication module is configured to communicate wirelessly via a wireless communication protocol selected from a group including Wi-FiTM, BluetoothTM or an Internet of Things (loT) wireless communication protocol.

Conveniently, the control unit comprises at least one timer circuit, each timer circuit comprising two interconnected transistors which are coupled to a resistor and capacitor arrangement.

Advantageously, the storage unit comprises a siren which is configured to output an alert sound in response to the alert signal generated by the control unit.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises a rechargeable battery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a secure storage arrangement comprising: a storage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 21 as defined herein after; and at least one of: a door sensor which is configured to be mounted to a door which is remote from the storage unit, or a window sensor which is configured to be mounted to a window which is remote from the storage unit, wherein each door sensor and each window sensor is configured to be coupled for communication with the control unit within the storage unit and to provide an alert signal to the control unit in response to the door sensor sensing a movement in the door or the window sensor sensing a movement in the window.

Preferably, the door sensor or the window sensor comprises a tilt switch which is configured to be mounted to a handle on a door or a handle on a window.

Conveniently, the door sensor or the window sensor comprises a vibration sensor which is configured to be mounted to a door or to a window to sense a vibration in the door or window.

Advantageously, the arrangement further comprises: an external siren which is configured to be positioned remotely from the secure storage unit and to be coupled for communication with the control unit within the storage unit such that the external siren is activated in response to the alert signal provided by the control unit.

So that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a secure storage unit of some embodiments, Figure 2 is a view corresponding to figure 1, showing a closure element of the storage unit in an open position, Figure 3 is a plan view of the upper side of the storage unit of figure 1, Figure 4 is a rear view showing a rear side of the storage unit of figure 1, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the position of sensors on the sides 5 of a secure storage unit of some embodiments, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a control system of a secure storage unit of some embodiments, Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of a timing arrangement of a secure storage unit of some embodiments, Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of a door carrying external sensors for use with a secure storage arrangement of some embodiments, Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of a window carrying sensors for use with a secure storage arrangement of some embodiments, and Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a secure storage unit of 20 some embodiments.

Referring initially to figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, a secure storage unit 1 of some embodiments comprises a body 2 which at least partly encloses a storage chamber 3. In this embodiment, the body 2 is of steel but in other embodiments, the body may be another metal or another strong material.

The storage chamber 3 is configured for storing an item, such as a valuable item of jewellery, cash or an important document. The body 2 comprises an aperture 4 which provides access to the storage chamber 3. In this embodiment, the aperture 4 is a generally rectangular aperture in a side face of the storage unit 1.

A closure element 5 is provided to close the aperture 4. In this embodiment, the closure element 5 is in the form of a generally rectangular door which is moveably mounted to the body 2 by a hinge 6.

The closure element 5 is movable between an open position, as shown in figure 2, in which the closure element 5 allows access to the storage chamber 3 through the aperture 4 and a closed position, as shown in figure 1, in which the closure element 5 at least partly closes the aperture 4 to restrict or prevent access to the storage chamber 3 through the aperture 4.

The storage unit 1 further comprises a locking arrangement 7. In this embodiment, the locking arrangement 7 comprises three locking mechanisms which are each configured to be activated using one of three different keys. In this embodiment, the locking arrangement comprises three locking mechanisms but it is to be appreciated that other embodiments comprise a greater or fewer number of locking mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the storage unit comprises an electronic keypad which is configured to control an electronic lock so that a user is able to enter a code via the keypad to control the electronic lock. In further embodiments, the storage unit comprises an electronic lock which is configured to be activated wirelessly by a remote device, for instance via a mobile device communicating using a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth TM.

The storage unit 1 further comprises an electronic control unit 8. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 is mounted within the storage chamber 3 so that the control unit 8 is only accessible when the closure element 5 is in the open position, as shown in figure 2. In this embodiment, the storage unit 1 further comprises a power supply indicator light or LED 9 and an armed state indicator light or LED 10 which will be discussed in more detail below.

In this embodiment, the storage unit further comprises a power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery. In this embodiment, the rechargeable battery is self-contained within the storage unit 1 but is not visible in the accompanying drawings. The rechargeable battery is preferably configured to be charged by an external power source which may be connected to an electrical connector 11 provided on the rear side of the storage unit 1, as shown in figure 4. In other embodiments, the power connector 11 is omitted and the rechargeable battery is configured to be connected to a power supply by another connector arrangement, such as a connector arrangement provided inside the storage unit 1.

The storage unit 1 further comprises at least one temperature sensor 12 and preferably a plurality of temperature sensors 12. In this embodiment, the storage unit 1 comprises six temperature sensors 12, with one of the temperature sensors 12 mounted to each of the six sides of the body 2 of the storage unit 1, as shown in figure 5. Each temperature sensor 12 is mounted directly to or in close proximity to the interior of one of the sides of the storage unit 1. Each temperature sensor 12 is configured to detect if there is an increase in the temperature of the side of the storage unit 1 which might be indicative of that side of the storage unit being heated by a heat source. Each temperature sensor 12 is therefore configured to detect if a side of the storage unit 1 is being heated by person trying to break into the storage unit 1 using a heat source, such as a welding torch or a laser cutter.

As will be discussed in more detail below, each temperature sensor 12 is configured to provide a temperature signal to the control unit 8 which is indicative of the temperature within a portion of the storage unit 1.

The storage unit 1 further comprises at least one movement sensor 13 and preferably a plurality of movement sensors 13. In this embodiment, the storage unit 1 comprises six movement sensors 13 which are each mounted to a respective side of the storage unit 1, as shown in figure 5.

Each movement sensor 13 is configured to provide a movement signal to the control unit 8 which is indicative of a movement of the storage unit.

In this embodiment, the movement sensors 13 are in the form of vibration sensors which are configured to sense a vibration in a part of the storage unit 1. Each vibration sensor is capable of sensing if the storage unit 1 is struck by an object, such as a hammer, which may be used by a thief attempting to break into the storage unit 1.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensors 12 are configured to sense a temperature in excess of a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold is 40°C. In other embodiments, the predetermined temperature threshold is 60°C, 80°C or 100°C.

The plurality of sensors, preferably with one sensor positioned on or adjacent each side of the storage unit 1, increases the sensitivity of the system as compared with other conventional systems which might use fewer sensors. In this preferred embodiment, the system is highly sensitive to heat or vibration in any of the sides of the storage unit 1, making it very difficult or impossible for a malicious party trying to break into the storage unit 1 to avoid detection.

In some embodiments, the storage unit 1 further comprises at least one tilt switch and preferably a plurality of tilt switches. In this embodiment, the storage unit 1 comprises five tilt switches, with one of the tilt switches being mounted to the closure element 5. Each tilt switch is configured to function as a movement sensor to detect if the storage unit is tilted at an angle which is greater than a predetermined angle. The tilt switch mounted to the closure element 5 is configured to sense the movement of the closure element 5 when the closure element 5 is moved between the closed position, as shown in figure 1 to the open position, as shown in figure 2. Each of the tilt switches is coupled for communication with the control unit 8 to provide a movement signal to the control unit B. In some embodiments, the storage unit 1 further comprise an accelerometer (not shown) which is coupled for communication with the control unit 8. The accelerometer is configured to detect if the storage unit 1 is moved and to provide a movement signal to the control unit 8 which is indicative of the movement.

In some embodiments, the storage unit 1 further comprises a movement detector which is configured to detect movement of an object which is remote from the storage unit 1. In this embodiment, a movement detector (not shown) is provided within the housing of the control unit 8. The movement detector is configured to sense movement of an object outside of the storage unit 1 when the closure element 5 is in the open position, as shown in figure 2. The movement detector is preferably an ultrasonic sensor or a passive infrared sensor.

Referring now to figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, the storage unit 1 further comprises a communication module 14 which is coupled for communication with the control unit 8. In this embodiment, the communication module comprises a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) module which is configured to communicate via a GSM network with a mobile device, such as a smartphone. The GSM module is configured to transmit a message, such as a short messaging service (SMS) message which is received and displayed on a user's mobile device. The message provides an alert to the user that one of the sensors associated with the storage unit 1 has detected a movement or temperature which is indicative of tampering to the storage unit 1.

In this embodiment, the GSM module 14 is configured to transmit a text message to up to three different mobile devices associated with three different telephone numbers. In further embodiments, the GSM module is configured to transmit a text message to a greater or fewer number of mobile devices.

The GSM module is also preferably configured to place a telephone call to a user's mobile telephone or mobile device. In some embodiments, the GSM module is configured to place multiple telephone calls to different mobile devices or telephones associated with different telephone numbers. Each telephone call is preferably placed at the same time as the GSM module transmits an SMS message to the same mobile device or telephone.

The GSM module is preferably configured for 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G communication over a cellular network. In these embodiments, it is possible to geolocate and track the location of the storage unit 1 by triangulating the position of the GSM module within a cellular network.

In other embodiments, the storage unit 1 comprises a GPS unit or another satellite navigation unit which is provided as part of the GSM module or as a separate unit within the storage unit 1. In these embodiments, the GPS unit or other satellite navigation unit is configured to detect the location of the storage unit 1 and to provide location data to the control unit 8. The control unit 8 is preferably configured to transmit the location data using the communication module 14 to a user device, such as a user's smartphone, so that the user is notified of the location of the storage unit 1.

In some embodiments, the communication module 14 is configured to communicate wirelessly via a wireless communication protocol selected from a group including Wi-FiTM, BluetoothTM or an Internet of Things (loT) wireless communication protocol.

The storage unit 1 further comprises a noise generator in the form of a siren 15 which is connected to the control unit 8. The siren 15 is mounted within the storage unit 1 in such a way that the noise produced by the siren 15 is clearly audible from outside the storage unit 1, for instance via a hole in the body 3 of the storage unit 1.

The storage unit 1 further comprises a control switch 16 which, in this embodiment, is provided on the control unit 8, as shown in figure 2. The control switch 16 is connected to the control unit 8 and configured to control the control unit 8 to arm or disarm the control unit 8.

Also illustrated in figure 6 are the four tilt switches 17 provided within the storage unit 1, the tilt switch 18 provided on the closure element 5 and the movement detector 19 which are all coupled for communication with the control unit 8.

Referring now to figure 7 of the accompanying drawings, the control unit 8 of this embodiment comprises a timing arrangement 20. The timing arrangement 20 comprises first and second timer circuits 20A, 20B which are coupled to one another. Each timer circuit 20A, 20B is composed of an arrangement of transistors, resistors and capacitors which are interconnected in the circuit shown in figure 7. Figure 7 indicates the values of these components of this preferred embodiment. However, it is to be appreciated that the timer circuit of other embodiments comprises different value components, for instance to set different time intervals.

The output of each timer circuit 20A, 20B is connected to a respective relay 21, 22. The first relay 21 drives an input of the second timer circuit 20B, whereas the second relay 22 comprises a connector output 23 which is connected to the siren 15 in order to activate the siren 15.

The second timer circuit 20B comprises a plurality of sensor connectors 24 5 which are each configured to be connected to one of the sensors described above or one of the external sensors described below.

In this embodiment, the timing arrangement 20 is composed of low-cost components, making the timing arrangement 20 cheap to manufacture. The timing arrangement 20 minimises power consumption as compared with other more complex timer circuits. In addition, the timing arrangement 20 can be repaired easily by replacing any components that malfunction.

Referring now to figure 8 of the accompanying drawings, a secure storage arrangement of some embodiments comprises a secure storage unit 1 of the embodiments described above and, in addition, comprises at least one external sensor which is configured to be positioned remotely from the storage unit 1. Each external sensor is connected to the control unit 8 within the storage unit 1 by a wired or wireless connection, so that the external sensor can provide a signal to the control unit 8.

In some embodiments, the secure storage arrangement comprises a vibration sensor 25 which is configured to be mounted to a door 26, as shown in figure 8. The vibration sensor 25 is configured to sense a vibration in the door 26 and to provide a movement signal to the control unit 8 of the storage unit 1.

The vibration sensor 25 can therefore detect a movement in the door 26 which might, for instance, be due to a person attempting to open or break down the door 26 by force using tools, such as a crowbar or sledge hammer.

In some embodiments, the secure storage arrangement comprises a tilt switch 27 which is configured to be carried by a handle 28 of the door 26. The tilt switch 27 is configured to be connected to the control unit 8 within the secure storage unit 1 by a wired or wireless connection in order to provide a movement signal to the control unit 8. The tilt switch 27 senses when the handle 28 is moved, for instance by a person attempting to gain access through the door 26.

Referring now to figure 9 of the accompanying drawings, a secure storage arrangement of some embodiments further comprises a vibration sensor 29 which is configured to be mounted to a window 30. The vibration sensor 29 is configured to sense vibrations in the window 30 which might, for instance, be due to a person breaking or attempting to break the window 30. In some embodiments, the secure storage arrangement further comprises a tilt switch 31 which is configured to be mounted to a handle 32 of the window 30, as shown in figure 9.

The vibration sensor 29 and the tilt switch 31 which are associated with the window 30 are configured to be connected either via a wired connection or a wireless connection to the control unit 8 of the storage unit 1 to provide a movement signal to the control unit in the event that movement is detected in the window 30 or the handle 32 of the window 30.

It is to be appreciated that other embodiment incorporate a greater or fewer number of external sensors which are connected to the control unit 8 either by a wired connection or a wireless connection. For instance, some embodiments comprise additional vibration sensors which are provided on other doors and/or windows or a room in which the storage unit is placed.

In some embodiments the secure storage arrangement further comprises an external siren which is connected either by a wired connection or a wireless connection to the control unit of the storage unit. The external siren is configured to sound in response to an alert signal from the control unit so that the external siren sounds in conjunction with or instead of the siren 15 within the storage unit.

The embodiments which comprise one or more external sensors enable the 5 secure storage arrangement to sense a movement in a door or window of a room which is indicative of a person attempting to break into the room via the door or window. The external sensors therefore provide an advance warning to the control unit which transmits an alert output to a user to notify a user before the intruder even gains access to the room containing the storage unit. 10 The operation of the secure storage unit and the secure storage arrangement described above will now be described with reference to figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.

Initially, the storage unit 1 is in a disarmed state, with the storage unit 1 being configured to allow access to the storage chamber 3 without providing an alert output. When the storage unit 1 is in this disarmed state, a user is able to place an item within the storage chamber 3 of the storage unit 1 to store the item within the storage unit 1.

Once the item has been placed in the storage chamber 3, the user presses the control switch 16 on the control unit 8 in order to arm the system.

In response to the user pressing the control switch 16, the control unit 8 activates the first timer circuit 20A of the timing arrangement 20. The first timer circuit 20A introduces a delay for a first predetermined time interval. After the first predetermined time interval has elapsed, the first timer circuit 20A activates the first relay 21 which in turn activates the second timer circuit 20B and the system enters an armed state.

When the system is in the armed state, the system is configured to receive signals from the sensors connected to the control unit 8, such as the vibration sensors 12 and the temperature sensors 13, as well as any external sensors which are connected to the control unit 8.

If the control unit 8 receives a signal from a sensor which is indicative of tampering to the secure storage unit 1 or the secure storage arrangement comprising the external sensors then the second timer circuit 20B is activated. For instance, the second timer circuit 20B is activated if a temperature sensor 13 provides a temperature signal which is indicative of a temperature in excess of a predetermined threshold or a movement sensor 12 provides a movement signal which is indicative of a movement of the storage unit 1.

When the second timer circuit 20B is activated, the second timer circuit 20B introduces a time delay for a second predetermined time interval. Once the second predetermined time interval has elapsed, the system checks whether the control switch 16 has been pressed. If the control switch 16 has been pressed then the system returns to the initial disarmed state. If, on the other hand, the control switch 16 is not pressed then the second timer circuit 20B activates the second relay 22 which provides an alert signal to the communication module 14. This alert signal in turn activates the siren 15.

When the communication module 14 receives the alert signal, the communication module 14 transmits an alert output to a user to notify the user of tampering to the storage unit 1 and/or tampering to a door or window or other part of a room which is being monitored by external sensors connected to the control unit 8.

In some embodiments, the communication module 14 transmits a short 30 message service (SMS) message to a user's mobile telephone. In some embodiments, the communication module 14 is configured to transmit multiple SMS messages to different mobile telephones associated with different telephone numbers.

In some embodiments, the communication module 14 transmits an alert signal in the form of a telephone call to a user's telephone which causes the user's telephone to ring. In some embodiments, the communication module 14 transmits multiple alert signals in the form of multiple telephone calls to different mobile telephones associated with different telephone numbers.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication module 14 outputs an alert signal in the form of an SMS message and a telephone call simultaneously to a user's telephone.

In further embodiments, the communication module 14 is configured to provide an alert output to a user via a different messaging platform, such as by email, WhatsAppTM or another system which is configured to provide an alert output or message to a user.

Once the user receives the alert, the user can check on the storage unit and, if necessary, take action to minimise or prevent damage to or theft of the storage unit 1.

While the embodiments described above have been described in terms of a storage unit 1 which is positioned within a room or building, it is to be appreciated that other embodiments comprise a storage unit which is portable.

In these embodiments, the storage unit is configured to be used in any location, such as within a vehicle or in an exterior location, such as in a park or at the beach. In these embodiments, the portable storage unit 1 provides the same functionality as the embodiments described above to alert a user to tampering or potential theft of the storage unit.

When used in this specification and the claims, the term "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that specified features, steps or integers and included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or compounds.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A secure storage unit comprising: a storage chamber for storing an item; a body which at least partly encloses the storage chamber, the body comprising an aperture which provides access to the storage chamber; a closure element which is movably mounted to the body, the closure element being movable between an open position in which the closure element allows access to the storage chamber through the aperture and a closed position in which the closure element at least partly closes the aperture to restrict access to the storage chamber through the aperture; a locking arrangement which is configured to lock the closure element in the closed position in response to a user activating the locking arrangement; an electronic control unit; at least one temperature sensor which is configured to provide a temperature signal to the control unit which is indicative of the temperature within a portion of the storage unit; at least one movement sensor which is configured to provide a movement signal to the control unit which is indicative of a movement of the storage unit; a communication module which is configured to provide an alert output to a user in response to an alert signal provided by the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to provide the alert signal in response to the control unit receiving at least one of: a temperature signal from the temperature sensor which is indicative of a temperature in excess of a predetermined threshold, or a movement signal from the movement sensor which is indicative of a movement of the storage unit, such that the alert output notifies a user of tampering to the storage unit.
2. The storage unit of claim 1, wherein the body comprises six rectangular sides with one of the rectangular sides being provided with the aperture, and wherein the closure element is pivotally mounted to the body to close the aperture when the closure element is in the closed position.
3. The storage unit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the storage unit comprises a plurality of movement sensors in the form of a plurality of vibration sensors.
4. The storage unit of claim 3 as dependent on claim 2, wherein the storage unit comprises six vibration sensors, with one vibration sensor being mounted to each of the six sides of the body.
5. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage unit comprises a plurality of temperature sensors which are each configured to output a temperature signal to the control unit if the temperature sensor senses a temperature in excess of a predetermined threshold.
6. The storage unit of claim 5 as dependent on claim 2, wherein the storage unit comprises six temperature sensors with one temperature sensor being mounted to each of the six sides of the body.
7. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined temperature threshold sensed by each temperature sensor is 25 40°C.
8 The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one movement sensor comprises a tilt switch
9. The storage unit of claim 8, wherein the storage unit comprises four tilt switches which are mounted within the storage unit.
10. The storage unit of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the storage unit further comprises an additional tilt switch which is mounted to the closure element.
11. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one movement sensor comprises an accelerometer.
12. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage unit further comprises a movement detector which is configured to 10 detect the movement of an object on the exterior of the storage unit when the closure element is in the open position.
13. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a lock mechanism which is configured to be activated by a user turning a key in the lock.
14. The storage unit of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the locking arrangement comprises three locking mechanisms which are each configured to be activated by a user turning a respective one of three different keys.
15. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking arrangement comprises an electronic key pad which is configured to activate an electronic lock.
16. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking arrangement comprises an electronic lock which is configured to be activated wirelessly by a remote device.
17. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication module comprises a Global System for Mobile communication (GMS) module which is configured to provide an alert signal in the form of at least one of a short message service (SMS) message which the GMS module transmits to a user and/or a telephone call to a user's telephone.
18. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate wirelessly via a wireless communication protocol selected from a group including Wi-FiTM, BluetoothTm or an Internet of Things (loT) wireless communication protocol.
19. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises at least one timer circuit, each timer circuit comprising two interconnected transistors which are coupled to a resistor and capacitor arrangement.
20. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage unit comprises a siren which is configured to output an alert sound in response to the alert signal generated by the control unit.
21. The storage unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage unit comprises a rechargeable battery.
22. A secure storage arrangement comprising: a storage unit according to any one of the preceding claims; and at least one of: a door sensor which is configured to be mounted to a door which is remote from the storage unit, or a window sensor which is configured to be mounted to a window which is remote from the storage unit, wherein each door sensor and each window sensor is configured to be coupled for communication with the control unit within the storage unit and to provide an alert signal to the control unit in response to the door sensor sensing a movement in the door or the window sensor sensing a movement in the window.
23. The secure storage arrangement of claim 22, wherein the door sensor or the window sensor comprises a tilt switch which is configured to be mounted to a handle on a door or a handle on a window.
24. The secure storage arrangement of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the door sensor or the window sensor comprises a vibration sensor which is configured to be mounted to a door or to a window to sense a vibration in the door or window.
25. The secure storage arrangement of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the arrangement further comprises: an external siren which is configured to be positioned remotely from the secure storage unit and to be coupled for communication with the control unit within the storage unit such that the external siren is activated in response to the alert signal provided by the control unit.